World Cup : Proteas Win Thriller: South Africa Beat Afghanistan in Double Super Over Classic

In one of the most exciting matches in T20 World Cup history, South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a dramatic double Super Over contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday. Both teams scored 187 runs in their 20 overs, and even the first Super Over could not separate them. The match was finally decided in the second Super Over, where South Africa held their nerve to win by 4 runs.

This victory keeps South Africa at the 2nd position of Group D. Afghanistan, despite playing brilliant cricket, were left disappointed after coming so close to a famous win.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan chose to bowl first.  Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, gave the team a flying start, After losse early skipper Aiden Markram. They attacked the Afghan bowlers from the beginning and added more than 100 runs in less than nine overs.

Rickelton was especially aggressive, scoring 61 runs off just 28 balls. He played powerful shots all around the ground and dominated the powerplay. De Kock supported him well, scoring 59 runs from 41 balls with calm and smart batting.

114 runs partnership, South Africa looked ready to cross 210 runs easily. However, Afghanistan made a strong comeback through spin bowling. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan changed the game by dismissing Rickelton and  Quenton De kock, slowing down the scoring rate. Noor Ahmad also bowled tightly and did not allow easy boundaries.

In the last nine overs, South Africa managed only 73 runs and lost wickets regularly. From a position of dominance, they finished at 187 for 6. It was a competitive total, but many felt they had missed the chance to score more.

Gurbaz Leads Afghanistan Chase

Afghanistan began their chase of 188 with confidence. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz played an outstanding innings of 84 runs from just 42 balls. He mixed aggression with control and punished any loose deliveries.

South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi tried to bring his team back into the game. He picked up three important wickets and kept the pressure on Afghanistan. Despite losing partners at regular intervals, Gurbaz ensured Afghanistan stayed in the hunt.

As the match entered the final overs, the tension increased. Kagiso Rabada immense under pressure. Afghanistan needed 13 runs in the last over.

In final overs first ball goes in air and taken comfortably caught at cover , Rabada over stepped, on free hit ball goes 1 run and second ball Noor Ahmad smashed six  and Afghanistan hopes still alive , needed 5 runs off 4 deliveries, again Rabada over stepped, again free hit , Noor Ahmad hit in gap try to steal 2 runs but unfortunately short of the ground and match goes in super over.

First Super Over  Drama

The excitement continued in the first Super Over. Afghanistan batted first and scored 17 runs, thanks mainly to powerful hitting from Azmatullah Omarzai. South Africa now needed 18 runs to win.

The pressure was intense. South Africa struggled initially, and the equation came down to seven runs needed from the final ball. Tristan Stubbs showed incredible courage. He smashed a huge six over long-on, tying the scores once again.

For the first time in the tournament, a match required a second Super Over.

Second Super Over: South Africa Hold Their Nerve

This time, South Africa batted first. David Miller and Stubbs attacked from the start. They scored 23 runs in six balls, putting Afghanistan under huge pressure.

Afghanistan now needed 24 runs to win. South Africa surprised many by giving the ball to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj instead of a fast bowler. It was a bold and risky decision.

Mohammad Nabi and Azmat ullah Omarzai on crease but second ball off the over Nabi try to hit six but mis time and South Africa got 1 wickets , still Afghanistan need 24 runs

Gurbaz, came at the crease, started with three consecutive sixes. Suddenly, Afghanistan needed just 5  runs from the last  balls. The match looked ready for another twist.

However, Maharaj showed great experience, bowled cleverly.On the final ball, Afghanistan needed a boundary to tie again. Gurbaz tried to hit big but mistimed his shot and was caught in the deep.

South Africa won the match by 4 runs after one of the most dramatic finishes ever seen.